Which of the following statements is correct about the effect of dissolved salt on the freezing point of water?
Answer Details
When salt is dissolved in water, it lowers the freezing point of water. This is because the salt ions attract some of the water molecules, which makes it harder for the water molecules to come together and form ice crystals. As a result, a lower temperature is needed for water to freeze in the presence of salt than in pure water.
This phenomenon is used to de-ice roads and sidewalks during the winter. By spreading salt on icy surfaces, the salt dissolves in the thin layer of water on top of the ice, which lowers the freezing point and causes the ice to melt.